CANTON – A Winthrop man was charged by state police for criminal possession of a controlled substance and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on Thursday, Feb. 23, in the Town of Canton,

Matthew D. Bray, 49, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of controlled substance, controlled substance in non-original container, aggravated unlicensed operator, and issued vehicle and traffic tickets.

Troopers reported that around 10:45 p.m., Troopers observed a 2009 red Subaru Impreza traveling east on US Highway 11 in the town of Canton with an inadequate exhaust. Police initiated a traffic stop, interviewed the driver who was identified as Bray. During the interview, the trooper observed a pistol handle sticking out of a holster in between the seat and center console. The pistol was secured and discovered it was a CO2 cartridge pellet gun. Troopers also located drug paraphernalia not in its original container.

Bray was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Canton Court for a later date in March.